Wins result from more than just in-court advocacy, says Steve Barley; they flow from a sound strategic approach, tactical decision-making, and good old-fashioned hard work. That philosophy has worked well for Steve, who is recognized as one of Maryland's top commercial litigators and has a proven track record of wins when he takes his clients' most difficult cases to trial.

Steve is the Office Managing Partner of our Baltimore office, heads the office Litigation Group, serves as co-head of our Global Life Sciences Litigation Group, and is also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Steve handles complex commercial and securities litigation matters, including breach of contract and all types of business torts. He handles class actions and consolidated proceedings, and is frequently consulted to help clients assess and reduce risk in advance of litigation. As satisfying as trying and winning a case may be, he believes that a lawyer should first understand the client's business, especially in high-stakes controversies, and how a resolution might influence a client's goals. Once he understands that, he tailors the strategy toward advancing those goals, whether in court or across the bargaining table.

Steve has a particularly deep understanding of the life sciences industry, and has handled many matters for a wide variety of pharmaceutical, biotech, and device companies — large and small, public and private, based in the U.S., and abroad. He's been at the forefront of some of the largest cases impacting the pharmaceutical industry. He understands supply chain structures and the complicated pricing, marketing, and reimbursement issues related to various government programs. He's also experienced with disputes surrounding collaboration, co-promotion, distribution, and other partnering agreements. Steve is Chambers ranked, recognized in Best Lawyers in America, and a Maryland Super Lawyer.